The Quinntessential Gentleman | Cigar Friendly: Baltimore, MD

What started as a barbershop in downtown Baltimore, MD, has grown over the last 12 years into a multipurpose event space and luxury destination.

Located on the corner of S. Calvert Street and E. Lombart St., the “QG” has become a place for both men and women to relax and be pampered in this bustling business district. Whether stopping in for lunch, drinks, high-end clothing, spa services, haircuts, shaves or cigars, the QG has something for everyone and everyone can enjoy it.

On my first visit to the QG, I was greeted in the main lobby and taken on a tour. Yes, a tour because there’s that much to see! One almost has to plan out a route before embarking on the journey through the massive 6-story, fully renovated historic building.

1st Floor – Grooming

Whether you have an appointment or not, stylists at the QG are ready to consult and have you looking like you stepped straight off of the runway. Marrying the best of traditional techniques and nostalgia with the latest trends, style and technology, the barber staff takes great pride in old school techniques that many shops have strayed away from. And don’t worry about having your service and not being able to maintain your look, as all of the grooming products used in the barbershop are for sale on site. You can also have your shoes shined while you wait, a free benefit if you are a member.

Photo: Justin Harris

2nd Floor – Spa

Whether on the go or if you have a few hours to spare, the spa at the QG offers facials, massage, manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. Appointments for this area are required to ensure that each patron has a dedicated professional prepared to provide the escape you need after a long and trying week.

Photo: Justin Harris

3rd Floor – Cigar Lounge

Smoking jackets are not required, but they’re available if you’d like one. As a member, not only do you receive discounts on cigars and other services, you also have your very own jacket waiting on you upon arrival. For those passing through town but wanted to visit and enjoy a cigar, day memberships are available for $30 (cigars, drinks, food or services) and you can hideaway for the day in the classic, old school lounge. Equipped with large TVs, Xboxes, kitchenette and wall-to-wall lockers, there’s no reason to leave once you settle into the oversized leather chairs or couches. And if you don’t see your favorite cigar in the walk-in humidor, simply ask the knowledgeable staff to order it and you can expect it by your next visit.

Photo: Justin Harris

Photo: Justin Harris

4th & 5th Floor – Women’s & Men’s Retail

You’re relaxed, you’ve had your cigar and your hair looks like you’re ready for a magazine shoot, the next logical step is to bring it all together with the right outfit. With designer shirts, suits, shoes, belts and accessories, the last thing you have to worry about is the fit as a tailor is onsite to customize and solidify your look.

Photo: Justin Harris

6th Floor – Clubhouse/Bar/Speakeasy

A beautiful view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor serves as the 180-degree backdrop as you enjoy one of the many hand-made craft cocktails and full menu at the Clock Restoration Bar. With a bar capacity of 50 and a game room that accommodates 60, after hours in downtown are anything but dull. Amenities in the Clubhouse include golf simulators, shuffleboard, pool, arcade games and wall-to-wall TVs to satisfy patron’s sports appetite while taking care of their physical one. Food and drinks an be ordered from Clock Restoration and enjoyed in the Cigar Lounge to ensure that guests and members never have to fight downtown traffic to find sustenance.

Photo: Justin Harris

Classifying the QG as a one-stop-shop would be an insult and understatement. This “department store” is a comprehensive experience and a must-visit locale when visiting Baltimore, MD. If you happen to be staying in Baltimore County and not able to venture downtown, QG also has a second location in Hunt Valley, MD.

The Quinntessential Gentleman

Justin Harris is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist and professional blogger who has been a lover of the leaf since 2003. In an effort to educate new and experienced cigar enthusiasts, he created CigaHr.com in 2013, relaunched as CigarInsight.com in 2018. It is that focus on education that has enabled him to build relationships with both cigar manufacturers and consumers. Justin is a member of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association and the Cigar Rights of America, where he serves as the Ambassador for the State of Tennessee. Whether through social media or face-to-face interactions at cigar lounges, Justin is always promoting premium cigars and the experience they provide.